Following over half a century of serving the community in the middle of a residential neighbourhood in Côte Saint-Luc, Edgewood Florist will be moving to Montreal-West and their iconic greenhouses will make way for residential development. A press release states that the family-run operation will leave Hudson Ave. on July 10 and the long-time owners have mixed emotions. After spending most of their lives in the greenhouses, three generations of Van Egmonds will continue to serve customers from more modern facilities near Westminster Ave. in Montreal West.
"There are people who have been coming here for 50 years," said co-owner Murray Van Egmond. "I grew up here. I started helping out my dad at age 11 or 12, and this has been my one and only job."
Murray's father, Dirk Van Egmond, who still lives next to the greenhouses and works there part-time, purchased Edgewood Nurseries in 1956 and the family has owned the business ever since.
The land has been used for agriculture in one form or another since 1879; the greenhouses were built in 1929. This fall, they are expected to be demolished.
"We're very excited," said co-owner Corinne Van Egmond, who along with her brother Murray, has been involved in the business for most of her life. Her daughter, Jessica Mailas, represents Edgewood's third generation. "It's sad to leave such a special place, but the business is evolving and we need a new home to facilitate the change."
The new facilities may be more modern and sustainable, but the warmth and hospitality will remain, as it has for decades.